Is there a difference between the terms "nonprofit" and "not-for-profit?"
Generally, "nonprofit" and "not-for-profit" have the same meaning. However, nonprofit, legal, academic communities do make subtle distinctions between the two terms.
Although the words can be used differently by different groups, the simplest way to distinguish between them is to think of "not-for-profit" as an activity, like reading a book. The term "nonprofit" refers to an organization that is not intended to make a profit, like an adult literacy group.
For more foundation, nonprofit and fundraising definitions, click on this glossary.
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IRS
What is the difference between not-profit and tax-exempt status?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publishes an FAQ detailing the difference between a nonprofit and a tax-exempt structure.
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idealist.org
What is a nonprofit organization?
Offers a legal definition.
Staff-recommended books
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The Money-Raising Nonprofit Brand: Motivating Donors to Give, Give Happily, and Keep on Giving
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At the Crossroads: Not-for-Profit Leadership Strategies for Executives and Boards
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